In celebration of Women’s Day, FemTech India is spotlighting female trailblazers who are revolutionizing the industry. Interview with Roopan Gill, OB-GYN and Co-founder of Vitala Global foundation
A Canadian-trained OBGYN with a subspecialty in family planning, my career has been dedicated to advancing contraception and abortion care. As a clinician scientist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, I have merged academic expertise with practical innovation to drive change in reproductive health.
As the co-founder and CEO of Vitala Global Foundation, a Canadian tech not-for-profit organization, I am deeply committed to leveraging technology to improve reproductive autonomy worldwide. My passion for humanitarian work led me to field missions with Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria and Yemen, and as the Women’s Health Advisor for MSF France, I provided guidance on sexual and reproductive health initiatives across 30 countries.
My academic journey includes a Master’s in Public Health in Global Health from the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. At the World Health Organization, I contributed to the Preventing Unsafe Abortion team, working to include Mifepristone and Misoprostol on the core essential medicine list and shaping abortion care guidelines.
My contributions have been recognized globally—I was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2022 and awarded the Lewis Perinbam Award in 2025 for innovation in international development. My work has also been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, BBC, and Ms. Magazine.
Breaking into FemTech: Challenges and Opportunities
My journey into FemTech happened organically, fueled by my curiosity as a researcher and my desire to address gaps in women’s healthcare. Conducting human-centered design research across low- and middle-income countries, I saw the potential of digital solutions in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in regions where traditional healthcare systems were failing women and girls.
A key inspiration was my late mentor, Dr. Marc Mitchell, founder of D-Tree International, whom I met during my time at Harvard. His belief in technology as a tool for solving maternal and reproductive health challenges helped shape my vision.
When I founded Vitala, my initial vision was to create a human-centered design and research firm co-developing multiple digital products with partners. However, with the success and impact of Aya Contigo, our flagship product, I saw the potential for scaling a single solution globally.
While entering the industry was not difficult, securing funding has been a significant challenge, especially for projects related to abortion care. There remains stigma around reproductive health, making it difficult to find impact investors willing to support this critical area.
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Impact
Since founding Vitala in 2020, it has taken five years to reach where we are today, though my work in digital health and FemTech started in 2014. The biggest obstacle has been securing funding, particularly for abortion-related initiatives, as women’s health remains underfunded.
Despite these challenges, our achievements speak volumes. Some of my proudest moments include:
- Personal Achievements: Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2022), recipient of the Lewis Perinbam Award (2025), and featured in major publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, BBC, and Ms. Magazine.
- Aya Contigo’s Success: Our award-winning app has been recognized globally, winning at South by Southwest 2024 (Community Empowerment category), the Reproductive Health Innovation Summit pitch competition, and the HLTH Techequity Award in partnership with PPFA.
- Global Impact: Since launching in Venezuela (2022) and the United States (2023), we have reached over 20,000 users across the Americas, connecting women with essential reproductive health resources.
Innovating in FemTech: The Work of Vitala Global
Vitala Global is a tech-driven not-for-profit organization that co-creates digital solutions to support sexual and reproductive health. We work at the intersection of technology and community, using harm-reduction strategies to prevent unsafe abortions and empower women to take control of their reproductive autonomy.
Our flagship product, Aya Contigo, is a digital companion for abortion, contraception, and miscarriage care. Co-created with over 1,000 Venezuelan women and grassroots organizations, Aya provides real-time guidance, emotional and navigational support through in-app and WhatsApp chat with peer counselors. A Spanish-first platform, Aya is designed to meet users where they are, offering localized, evidence-based assistance that bridges gaps in traditional healthcare.
The Future of FemTech: Innovations and Trends
Our current focus is on scaling Aya Contigo globally, with India as a key market on the horizon. Due to organic demand from Indian users, we see significant potential in adapting our solutions to meet local needs. Additionally, we are integrating ethical and generative AI to enhance the work of our peer counselors, improving accessibility and efficiency.
Looking ahead, key trends in FemTech include:
- AI in Women’s Health: The integration of AI in personalized health solutions will revolutionize access and care.
- Hybrid Models: FemTech solutions will increasingly integrate with brick-and-mortar healthcare systems to ensure continuity of care.
- Holistic, Integrated Solutions: Future innovations will prioritize interconnected, multi-faceted approaches rather than siloed solutions.
Advice for Future FemTech Leaders
The FemTech industry is at the beginning of an exciting revolution. For those looking to enter this space, my advice is:
- Work on an issue you deeply care about and are willing to commit to long-term.
- Be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence is key.
- Reach out to mentors and leaders who inspire you—do not hesitate to connect with them.
Shaping the Future of FemTech
One of the biggest changes I want to see in the industry is more funding directed towards impact-driven organizations. We need new models of financing that bridge for-profit and non-profit approaches, breaking the traditional mold of investment. More venture and impact funds led by women of color, supporting women of color founders, will help create a more equitable and inclusive FemTech landscape.
The future of FemTech is bright, and I am excited to be part of this transformative movement, working towards a world where every woman has the reproductive autonomy she deserves.
About FemTech India – Ecosystem for Women’s health tech startups
FemTech India, India’s first and largest industry network of founders and investors in women’s health, supports companies with market access and growth strategies to drive innovation and partnerships.As a Member of UNFPA, supporting companies in science and technology, across South Asia.
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If you’re a trailblazer in women’s health or FemTech, we’d love to hear your story! Share your journey and insights with us at info@femtechindia.com. Together, let’s amplify the voices driving positive change.
